There’s a boatload of gear available to enhance your water workout. Swim socks protect your feet while running, while paddies, webbed gloves and barbells increase resistance. The equipment is optional (the water itself provides you with great resistance), but the following items might help you make a bigger splash.
- Aquaflex Fitness Paddles ($29.95 per pair) each weigh less than 10 ounces and are small enough to fit in a briefcase. A vented design provides adjustable resistance; for the hardest workout, keep the vents closed. Call Aquatic Exercise Concepts at 707-545-8131.
- An AquaPaddle ($24.95) is useful for building upper-body strength. If you add the exercise logs (see below), you can increase workout intensity by creating more drag. Contact Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products at www.optp.com or 800-367-7393.
- Fin & Flipper Exercise Logs ($24.95 per pair; $34.95 for the large size) are buoyant soft-foam buoys that fit on your hands or feet; because you slide them on, they don’t require any grip strength to maneuver. They can also be attached to flippers or a paddle. From OPTP.
- The Jogger Belt ($32.95) serves the same function as your childhood water wings-it keeps you floating. It also helps you maintain vertical stability in deep-water workouts. From OPTP.